UK: Ban On Live Pig Exports Reduced To East Anglia

The EU ban on the export of live pigs and porcine semen has been reduced to the three counties in East Anglia where classical swine fever (CSF) has been confirmed. The decision was unanimously agreed at a meeting of the Standing Veterinary Committee (SVC) in Brussels today. The UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Jim Scudamore, presented details of the extensive work that has been carried out by the State Veterinary Service over the last two weeks to contain the disease. The SVC also acknowledged the UK proposal to scale down the infected areas around the four nursery units in line with disease control measures. MAFF will continue in its efforts to eradicate the disease and to re-establish exports from this area as quickly as possible. Nick Brown welcoming the decision of the Standing Veterinary Committee, said: 'This is excellent news. I am delighted that the Commission and EU member states have reduced the ban. Their response is proportionate to the current risks. 'Our proposal to lift restrictions on a number of farms on the edge of the current infected areas will be welcomed. 'These decisions demonstrate that MAFF was right to take the precautionary approach which was essential to stop the disease in its tracks and confirm the benefits of the constructive approach we have adopted towards our partners in the European Union. 'My department will continue to take every step to contain and eradicate this disease.'To find out more about Swine Fever